The Red Mansion

Chapter 189 Sister Feng Envys Yuan Chun
Wang Xifeng was anxious and thought to herself, "This matter cannot be delayed; it should be resolved as soon as possible."

Having made up his mind, he instructed Wang'er and his wife to prepare carriages and horses.

As I stepped outside, I saw that the sky was overcast, a cold wind was blowing, and winter rain was falling. The rain was as fine as needles, and it soaked my clothes instantly. The drizzling rain added to the chill.

Wang Xifeng frowned and said, "It just so happens to rain at this time, as if even Heaven is trying to stop me."

Ping'er said, "Since Grandmother has made up her mind, why be afraid of this little bit of rain? Besides, the Jiang family is not far from here, so it's convenient to go by carriage."

Wang Xifeng nodded, then put on a silver-gray cloak, took Ping'er and got into the carriage, with Wang'er and his wife following closely behind, and the group traveled in the rain.

The wheels rolled through the wet streets and alleys, and soon arrived at the Jiang family's house.

Yuan Chun personally greeted Wang Xifeng at the hanging flower gate. Seeing Wang Xifeng approaching, she quickly stepped forward, took Wang Xifeng's hand, and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law Feng, why did you come in the rain? Come in and warm yourself up."

Wang Xifeng forced a smile and said, "It makes me uneasy that the eldest young lady has come to greet me personally."

Yuan-chun shook her head and said, "We're sisters, why stand on ceremony?"

Then she led Wang Xifeng and Ping'er to the east wing. During this time, Wang Xifeng couldn't help but look around the residence. Although it wasn't as grand and magnificent as the Rongguo Mansion, it was still neat and tidy, with lush flowers and trees, and looked much better than before. Back when she was the second mistress of the Rongguo Mansion, how glamorous she was, she had looked down on this Jiang residence. Now, in her fallen state, she actually felt that this residence was quite good.

Upon entering the east wing, Yuan Chun ordered a maid to serve hot tea and offered her a seat. As Wang Xifeng held the teacup, a sense of warmth gradually rose within her, yet she felt a heaviness in her heart.

After drinking a cup of tea, Wang Xifeng asked, "Is Master Nian at home?"

Yuan Chun smiled and said, "I'm reading in the study."

Wang Xifeng suddenly quieted down.

Seeing her hesitant expression, Yuan Chun asked softly, "Sister Feng, you came here in the rain today, is there something you need?"

Wang Xifeng put down her teacup and sighed, "To be honest, I have come to see Miss today because I have a favor to ask."

Yuan Chun said, "Speak freely."

Wang Xifeng then recounted the story of Jia Rui and Gu Peng in detail. When she talked about how the rogue Gu Peng extorted money and how she was all alone and helpless, she choked up: "Now I am at my wit's end. A thousand taels of silver is no small amount for me. Moreover, even if I give it to him, Gu Peng will definitely become even more ruthless in the future. How can this end? But since you are on good terms with Commander Ma of the Left Battalion of the Patrol, if you can ask Commander Ma to put in a good word for you, this matter can be settled."

The valuables her father had given her were confiscated by the soldiers, including much of her own belongings. Grandmother Jia, being kind, gave her several thousand taels of silver. However, she now had no one to rely on and a group of servants to support. For her, a thousand taels of silver was indeed a considerable sum.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun felt a pang of sorrow. She thought of how powerful Wang Xifeng had been in the Rongguo Mansion, and how she had fallen to such a state. Reflecting on the decline of the Wang family, she couldn't help but sigh. After a moment's thought, Yuan Chun said, "I already know about this matter. Please sit for a while; I will go and discuss it with the master."

With tears in her eyes, Wang Xifeng said, "Please, Miss, remember our past relationship and beg Master Nian for me, otherwise... otherwise I'm afraid I'll have no way to survive."

Yuan Chun said, "Since I have agreed, I will naturally do my best."

Wang Xifeng wiped away her tears and said, "Thank you, young lady."

Yuan Chun comforted her for a few moments, then went to the study to find Jiang Nian.

Wang Xifeng sat in her room, her heart filled with anxiety, hoping that Yuan Chun could persuade Jiang Nian to help her. Ping'er whispered words of comfort to her, but she just stared blankly at the rain outside the door, lost in thought.

……

……

Jiang Nian was sitting alone in his study. Outside the window, the winter rain was drizzling, and the dripping water from the eaves made the room even more tranquil.

On the table lay a copy of "Zizhi Tongjian" (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government), which he was reading intently. Although he found the principles in the book difficult and obscure, he enjoyed reading and studying, and found it quite enjoyable.

Just as Jiang Nian was reading the section about "Emperor Gaozu of Han slaying the white snake," she suddenly heard a soft knock at the door, and then Yuan Chun gracefully entered. Jiang Nian put down her book and smiled at Yuan Chun.

Yuan Chun walked to the table, first poured him some hot tea, and then slowly said, "Just now, Sister Feng came to visit despite the rain, saying that she has a difficult matter to ask of her."

Jiang Nian's eyebrows twitched slightly, and she said calmly, "Oh? What does Madam Wang want?"

Since Wang Xifeng had been divorced from the Rongguo Mansion, she was no longer Yuan Chun's sister-in-law. Yuan Chun had just addressed Wang Xifeng as "sister-in-law" out of consideration for their past relationship. In front of Jiang Nian, Yuan Chun changed her address to "Sister Feng." Jiang Nian, however, was indifferent and simply referred to her as "Wang Shi."

Seeing that Jiang Nian was cold towards her, Yuan Chun felt a little uneasy. She still recounted in detail what Wang Xifeng had said about Jia Rui and Gu Peng, and finally sighed, "She is now all alone and helpless, and that scoundrel Gu Peng is pressing her hard. She is really pitiful. If you could ask General Ma to pass on a message, this matter could be settled."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian did not rush to answer. He took a sip of tea, his gaze fixed on the rain outside the window, as if deep in thought. After a while, he turned to look at Yuan Chun and asked, "Does Madam wish for my assistance in this matter?"

Yuan Chun gently bit her lower lip and said softly, "I see that Sister Feng looks quite pitiful now. This matter cannot be blamed on her; it is all the fault of Jia Rui and Gu Peng. If it is not difficult for you to help, then please help her."

Jiang Nian raised the corners of his lips slightly, a half-smile on his face, and said, "As you know, Madam, I have never liked this Wang Shi." Yuan Chun's heart tightened, but then she heard him continue, "However, since you have spoken, I will give you this courtesy."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chun's eyes lit up with joy, and she said softly, "Thank you, sir."

Jiang Nian put down her teacup and said calmly, "Bring her to see me."

He hadn't given Yuan Chun a proper send-off regarding the matter of Madam Xing, and he had also kept the rumors about the imperial heir from her. He was taking advantage of this opportunity, when Wang Xifeng was seeking help, to give Yuan Chun a proper send-off, thus making her feel smug.

Furthermore, in his view, Wang Xifeng's current predicament was related to him. According to the original novel, even though Wang Xifeng's end was tragic, she could have continued to live as the second mistress of Rongguo Mansion for many years. However, due to the appearance of him, a time traveler, Wang Xifeng fell into poverty at an early age.

After Yuan Chun left, Jiang Nian sighed inwardly, "Too clever by half, she outsmarted herself and met her demise. This verdict is fitting, though a bit premature. However, given Wang Xifeng's early downfall, perhaps her ending will be better than in the original story..."

……

……

When Yuan Chun returned to the east wing, Wang Xifeng had already stood up, her phoenix eyes fixed on her. Before Yuan Chun could speak, she asked urgently, "How is it?"

Yuan Chun said gently, "Sister Feng, please come with me to see Master."

Wang Xifeng was a very clever woman. Seeing Yuan Chun's calm demeanor and peaceful tone, she knew that she was seven or eight parts sure about the matter, and she couldn't help but feel happy.

Just as she was about to follow Yuan Chun, she suddenly remembered something and quickly beckoned to Ping'er. Ping'er understood, knowing she was being asked to go see Jiang Nian. Although surprised, she followed. It turned out that although Wang Xifeng was like a tiger fallen into the plains, a phoenix with broken wings, she was still shrewd and astute. The recent events involving Jia Rui and Gu Peng made her realize she needed a powerful patron. She secretly thought Jiang Nian, whose power was growing daily, was an excellent candidate. She also believed that Jiang Nian was lustful and that the beautiful Ping'er could be used to tame him. She had once used Ping'er to tame Jia Lian's heart, but even after several years, Jia Lian had never consummated the marriage with Ping'er.

When Yuan Chun saw Ping'er accompanying her, she was slightly surprised, but then she thought that perhaps it was because of the deep affection between mistress and servant, so she did not ask any further questions.

The three entered the main hall and then went to the study.

Seeing Jiang Nian sitting upright behind his desk, holding a copy of "Zizhi Tongjian" in his hand, with incense burning in the room and wisps of smoke rising, Wang Xifeng quickly stepped forward, curtsied, and said softly, "Greetings, Master Nian."

Jiang Nian put down her book and looked at the former "divine consort" before her. Today, her clothes were simple and elegant, lacking the magnificent and colorful style of the past, but she still possessed a natural charm.

Her gaze shifted, and she saw Ping'er following behind Wang Xifeng. Ping'er was usually dressed in silks and brocades, adorned with gold and silver, in the Rongguo Mansion. Now she was dressed simply, but her natural beauty was undeniable.

“Madam Wang,” Jiang Nian said, her voice neither warm nor cold, “the matter you came to ask for today has already been told to me by Madam.”

Wang Xifeng felt a surge of resentment when he didn't offer her a seat or tea and addressed her as "Wang Shi." Normally, she would have given him a hard time. But now that she was in trouble and needed his help, she had no choice but to suppress her anger and force a smile, saying, "I beg Master Nian for your assistance."

Jiang Nian's gaze was sharp as lightning, staring directly at Wang Xifeng as if trying to see through her, and she said calmly, "If it were up to me, I would not be willing to help."

Wang Xifeng's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately looked embarrassed and awkward.

Ping'er, who was watching from the side, felt a pang of sorrow in her heart and sighed inwardly, "I never imagined that Grandma, who was once so powerful, would be so embarrassed in front of Master Nian today."

Jiang Nian caught a glimpse of Yuan Chun's embarrassed expression out of the corner of his eye, and continued, "However, my wife hopes that I will help her, so I will naturally give her this face."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng felt as if she had been granted a pardon and hurriedly curtsied again, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Nian."

Looking up, she saw Yuan Chun standing gracefully to the side, and a sudden pang of bitterness welled up in her heart. Strangely enough, not long ago she had thought that Jiang Nian was not good enough for Yuan Chun, a woman of noble birth, but now she inexplicably envied Yuan Chun for marrying such a husband.

Jiang Nian turned to Yuan Chun and asked, "Do you know where Wang Shi lives now?"

Yuan Chun nodded and replied, "I understand."

Jiang Nian then waved her hand at Wang Xifeng: "Go back and wait for news."

Wang Xifeng refused to leave immediately. After hesitating, she said, "I have one more request... I earnestly hope that Master Nian and Madam will not tell anyone else about this matter." As she said this, her voice became even lower, "Please keep it from even the people of the Rong Mansion."

A glint flashed in Jiang Nian's eyes as she thought to herself, "Could it be that this Sister Feng is hoping to one day return to the Rongguo Mansion and become the powerful and influential Second Mistress Lian again?"

In this era, a woman who has been divorced by a wealthy family has committed a serious offense, so how can she be expected to remarry?
In fact, even if Jia Lian were willing, Jia She would not agree. And even if Jia She agreed, how could Grandmother Jia dare to go against the wishes of the retired Emperor Jingning? If the Rongguo Mansion had not divorced Wang Xifeng that day, and if Emperor Jingning had not done so out of consideration for Jia Daishan, he would have imprisoned Wang Xifeng and punished her.

It's Sister Feng who's indulging in wishful thinking!
Jiang Nian's tone was laced with sarcasm: "Where would I have the time to spread this around?"

Wang Xifeng's face flushed. Just as she was about to say something more, she saw that Jiang Nian had picked up his book again, clearly intending to see her out.

Ping'er, who was watching from the side, felt both heartache and emotion.

Wang Xifeng forced herself to give another bow before leaving the study with Ping'er. As soon as they stepped out of the main room, a gust of cold wind mixed with rain hit them, making them shiver.

……

……

That afternoon, Jiang Nian took a carriage to the Left Battalion of the Patrol Police to find Ma Peicheng. Ma Peicheng was busy with official business inside the office. Upon hearing of Jiang Nian's arrival, he hurriedly straightened his clothes and came out to greet her.

After exchanging pleasantries, Jiang Nian recounted in detail how Wang Xifeng had been blackmailed by Gu Peng.

Upon hearing this, Ma Peicheng laughed and said, "I thought it was something serious, but it turns out to be the work of a scoundrel. Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Seeing his straightforwardness, Jiang Nian cupped her hands and said, "In that case, I'll trouble you, Brother Ma."

It turned out that Gu Peng, this street rascal, lived in the eastern suburbs, and was only notorious in that area. He often had to deal with the Zuo Ying police officer. Ma Peicheng dealt with such rascals as easily as crushing ants. Whenever Gu Peng saw Ma Peicheng, he would have to bow and scrape and call him "Lord Ma".

That day, Ma Peicheng, accompanied by several personal guards, rode a tall horse straight to Gu Peng's residence.

Gu Peng was gambling at home with a few cronies when soldiers burst in. Startled, he dropped his dice with a clatter. Upon seeing who it was, he turned ashen-faced and stammered, "Lord Ma...Lord Ma, I haven't done anything wrong lately!"

Ma Peicheng snorted coldly, sauntered into the hall, dismissed everyone, and, following Jiang Nian's instructions, recounted the events. He concluded in a deep voice, "If you dare to play any tricks..." With a clang, he drew half of his sword, its cold light flashing, startling Gu Peng who hurriedly cried out, "I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!"

Gu Peng breathed a sigh of relief and mustered his courage to ask, "Lord Ma, I wonder which important person that Lady Wang... that lady managed to persuade?"

Ma Peicheng said in a deep voice, "How could you possibly inquire about that important person? Even I have to show him some respect! Just do as I say!"

Gu Peng dared not say another word.

The next morning, Gu Peng arrived at Wang Xifeng's residence with a bag of silver.

When Wang Xifeng met Gu Peng, the rogue was no longer as arrogant as he had been the day before. He held a bag of silver in his hands and smiled broadly, saying, "You are very generous. I was blinded by greed yesterday. I will return this hundred taels of silver in full and will never dare to offend you again."

Wang Xifeng was pleased, but instead of taking the silver herself, she gave Wang'er a wink. Wang'er understood and stepped forward to accept the silver.

After Gu Peng left, Ping'er couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of Master Nian, he's truly capable. He resolved such a thorny issue in just one day."

Wang Xifeng sat in front of her dressing table and said quietly, "Who says it isn't true!"

She thought to herself, "In this world, no matter how many skills a woman has, she still needs someone to rely on. Jiang Nian is so accomplished at such a young age; Yuan Chun is truly blessed!" As she thought about it, a pang of jealousy rose in her heart, and she couldn't help but envy Yuan Chun once again.

As if remembering something else, she instructed Ping'er, "I'll go and thank Master Nian and Miss another day."

Ping'er stole a glance and saw Wang Xifeng looking at herself in the mirror, a faint smile playing on her lips...

(End of this chapter)